A fifth Clasico for Barcelona in less than a month. Can RCD Espanyol defy Liga leader Barcelona?
Barcelona's dual chase both for the Spanish title and the Champions League has borne fruits, successfully reaching the final stage of Europe's most coveted title. Barcelona leads La Liga with 88 points, and could virtually become the champion if Real Madrid does not defeat Sevilla on Saturday at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
The influence of Lionel Messi in Barcelona's scheme is indubitable: The Argentinean is both La Liga's top scorer and assist leader, with 31 goals and 18 assists. But Lionel Messi is not Guardiola's key to success, but the organicity of the Cule squad,
Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets have both proven great determination and comfort playing in the back line, something that might not be necessary now that Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol have recovered their form. Guardiola might choose not to risk the Spanish international defender unnecessarily.
Gabriel Milito, on the other hand, has not been seen with the rest of the Blaugrana squad during week's training and it appears like he won't be given many chances to make it into the starting eleven. Brazilian wingers Maxwell and Adriano are ruled out due to injuries.
"People believe the Liga is already won, but it's not. We want to close the deal the sooner the better" said Barcelona's defender Carles Puyol.
"We must take a step at a time. Personally, the last three months have been very intense. We'll value, day after day, what's better for me, considering the needs of the team" added the experienced Spanish international
Barcelona's versatility could overwhelm Espanyol, but Mauricio Pochettino's Pericos are well aware of what's at stake this Sunday at the Camp Nou. Pep Guardiola might choose to save players like Pedro, Villa or Iniesta for the next final, giving one more chance to ibrahim Afellay, Thiago and Bojan Krkic.
The 20-years old Serbian descent could provide a major boost to Barcelona's attack, returning to the fields after one month sidelined due to a knee injury. Bojan has always been one of Guardiola's favorites, but he might choose not to force his return before due time.
An interesting game for Pep Guardiola to confirm the power of Barcelona. Manchester United and Wembley Stadium are four words that were the flavour of the week in Europe, but the single idea of claiming La Liga's crown at the Camp Nou is mind-dazzling.
The influence of Lionel Messi in Barcelona's scheme is indubitable: The Argentinean is both La Liga's top scorer and assist leader, with 31 goals and 18 assists. But Lionel Messi is not Guardiola's key to success, but the organicity of the Cule squad,
Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets have both proven great determination and comfort playing in the back line, something that might not be necessary now that Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol have recovered their form. Guardiola might choose not to risk the Spanish international defender unnecessarily.
Gabriel Milito, on the other hand, has not been seen with the rest of the Blaugrana squad during week's training and it appears like he won't be given many chances to make it into the starting eleven. Brazilian wingers Maxwell and Adriano are ruled out due to injuries.
"People believe the Liga is already won, but it's not. We want to close the deal the sooner the better" said Barcelona's defender Carles Puyol.
"We must take a step at a time. Personally, the last three months have been very intense. We'll value, day after day, what's better for me, considering the needs of the team" added the experienced Spanish international
Barcelona's versatility could overwhelm Espanyol, but Mauricio Pochettino's Pericos are well aware of what's at stake this Sunday at the Camp Nou. Pep Guardiola might choose to save players like Pedro, Villa or Iniesta for the next final, giving one more chance to ibrahim Afellay, Thiago and Bojan Krkic.
The 20-years old Serbian descent could provide a major boost to Barcelona's attack, returning to the fields after one month sidelined due to a knee injury. Bojan has always been one of Guardiola's favorites, but he might choose not to force his return before due time.
An interesting game for Pep Guardiola to confirm the power of Barcelona. Manchester United and Wembley Stadium are four words that were the flavour of the week in Europe, but the single idea of claiming La Liga's crown at the Camp Nou is mind-dazzling.
